Toyota Venza: World's #1 Car Maker Develops Crossover
Motoring Channel Staff - 15/January/2008
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Toyota Venza
The Toyota Venza is the Japanese company's first
foray into the crossover market, but no hybrid has
engine type has been flagged at this early stage
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Detroit, America — It was only a matter of time before Toyota jumped on the crossover bandwagon. Meet the new Venza, a 'crossover sedan' powerful by 4- and 6-cylinder powerplants. Launched at the 2008 Detroit Motor Show, the Venza is expected to be a big seller. While
the new crossover vehicle is a Toyota in every respect - generic
design, solid engineering - expect it to make significant inroads in
the new car market thanks largely to Toyota's unbeatable resale
values and image of reliability. As the crossover vehicle type
becomes more and more popular, taking the most sought after elements
from an SUV such as ride height and interior space and combining it
with the performance and ease of use of a sedan, it was only a matter
of time before Toyota attacked the market. "The
all-new Venza was developed as a vehicle that combines the styling,
comfort and fun-to-drive performance elements of a five-passenger sedan
with the surprising utility of an SUV," said Bob Carter, Toyota's group vice president and general manager. Mr
Carter singled out baby boomers as one of the demographics it will be
targetting with the new car, suggesting that Camry buyers after
something more dynamic will also find it attractive. "This winning
combination will be ideal for active 'boomers," said Mr Carter, adding, "It will
cater to buyers who are looking for the value and reliability of a
Camry, the comfort and upscale refinement of an Avalon, and the utility
and functionality of a Highlander SUV in one very stylish and sporty
package." "When it goes on sale in
late 2008, the Venza crossover sedan will represent Toyota's latest
commitment to driving change in the marketplace," says Mr Carter. Currently
the Venza has been designed solely for the left-hand drive market of
North America, so don't be surprised if your local dealer looks at you
with puzzlement if you ask about it here in Australia. The
overall design is fairly modern, but not especially daring. There seems
to be a Corolla sedan influence in the front end, and the vehicles
silhouette is fairly sporty for a Toyota. The rear end features perhaps
the most daring design element of the car - the brake lights - which
have a touch of Volvo to them as they wrap around the rear pillars. Power comes from either a 2.7-litre 4-cylinder engine or a 3.5-litre V6 engine, that Aurion drivers will be very familiar with. The
show version of the Toyota Venza sits on large 20-inch alloy
wheels, and the vehicle will offered to American buyers in either
front- or four-wheel drive, a trend that looks to be adopted on more
and more of Toyota's new vehicles. Taking a cue from the European designers, the Venza will be offered with a panoramic roof, which is a first for a
Toyota. According to the Japanese car maker the roof will feature separate glass panels over
the front and rear seats where the front glass panel will have a power
tilt/slide function. Related
Articles:
- Toyota A-BAT Concept (2008)
- Toyota Landcruiser (2008)
- TRD Aurion (Road Test)
- TRD Aurion (2007)
- Toyota Corolla (2007)
- Toyota Supra (2010)
- Toyota Tarago V6 (2010)
- Toyota
Camry (2006)
- Toyota
RAV4 (2006)
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